Review of ‘The Windmill in the Silver Gums’ by Leonie Kelsall

Review of The Windmill in the Silver Gums by Leonie Kelsall

Release date: June 30th, 2026

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

REVIEW

One thing you can count on in reading a novel by South Australian author Leonie Kelsall, it will never be a simple or ordinary story. Her novels contain both dark and light shades. She has a talent for digging gems out of history and revealing hidden aspects of rural life. And writes about them in such a way that is unique and thought-provoking. Since she comes at the topics from a different angle, it makes you see the underside of life experiences and events. The Windmill in the Silver Gums is a prime example and being a dual timeline of contemporary farm life and World War 1 history, it is an original approach. Each time I was moved from the present to the past, I felt major contrasts in the shift. How different each world was. But there was always a common thread between family members Indi and Rose, trying to hold on to their family farm. Previously Indi may not have thought as much about her family’s past but after discovering her great-great-grandmother’s journal, it awakens an interest in her and forges ‘a bond between them.’  

Set in South Australia, this dual timeline story is about resilience, sacrifice, family, identity, trust and loss—just to name a few. I was moved by these believable characters and their struggles. And cheered their hard earned victories and clever solutions. On one level The Windmill in the Silver Gums is about rural living and making a living on the land. It is a lifestyle that this author knows and understands well and her experiences come blazing through, making this a very realistic account of what it is like to be a farmer raising crops, rearing cattle and sheep, and caring for the land--while battling the natural elements, society’s rules and even prejudices. Not an easy life, dealing daily with the fierce challenges of competitors, nature and economics.

A major topic covered in the First World War timeline is the adverse treatment of German heritage residents. Once war was declared by England on Germany, the ‘distant war ..managed to taint life here.’ Random arrests and incarcerations filled the German heritage members with fear. Hostility and distrust towards them mushroomed. Jobs were lost and the once-proud men who were the ‘pillars’ of the community (in this case South Australia) were suddenly downtrodden by shock and hopelessness. Thousands were rounded up and sent to internment camps but others went voluntarily hoping to be protected. Being labelled the ‘enemy aliens’ meant they were no longer safe. This part of the story was heartbreaking seeing so many families torn apart as a result and even deaths occurring in the internment facilities set up to house ‘suspicious’ citizens.

Character Elizabeth makes a wise comment when those of German descent are shunned at food establishments. ‘Anger is an antidote to impotence.’ In other words, anger is often a reaction to feeling powerless and frustrated. It is a psychological shield or coping mechanism people use when faced with a situation they cannot control.

People dealt with the events of the time in the only ways they knew how. Sometimes it was a negative response, causing division and at other times they were unified on a common concern. The Women’s Peace Army was born of those who ‘waged war against war’. They were opposed to ‘sacrificing (their) husbands, sons and brothers to militarism.’ It took away to some degree that feeling of powerlessness and provided them with support and encouragement.

Alongside the harsh lessons of life, there were beautiful moments—particularly seen in the more poetic phrases seen in the novel. Being a poet, I loved those references. One such line: ‘Palm open, fingers slightly curved. Still trying to catch the moon.’ Plus the gorgeous poem about the spider. What a profound Ode it is! Its beauty touched my heart but also made me squirm. It made me think about how we react to bugs we feel threatened by. I preserve dandy long-legs and yet I am less merciful to other spiders due to their potential harm. And yes they usually are more afraid of us and choose to scurry away—including the hairy huntsman. Of course, living in Australia we know there are lethal ones such as funnel webs, redbacks and the mouse spider. And many would not hesitate to remove these creatures from their paths. Of course this an action fuelled by fear of what these spiders might do. This made me think of the similarities in the response to the German descendants in WW1 Australia. People saw them as a potential threat. Even though many tried to prove their loyalty—by even signing up to fight in the war, they were not trusted.

As for the spider: a common phrase we hear a lot today is uttered by Kurt to Rose after he agrees the poem ‘is an ode to a spider indeed. But the only good spider is a dead one.’ This statement says a lot about the attitude in society toward things that are considered potentially dangerous. Of course, nobody wants to die from a spider bite. But precautions come in many forms.

On a lighter note, you would expect there will be some romance elements in the novel (and there are) but added to that is a depth of grit and gruelling experiences that address bigger world issues like racial discrimination and dishonourable acts. We get psychological glimpses of the characters past and present and why they act as they do, making it easier to understand the choices they make and how it affects their lives.

The contemporary timeline shows us character Indi Jaensch trying desperately to keep the family property near Settler Bridge going after a tragedy. But she is battling the big three enemies: drought, debt and deceit. It becomes clear that her family farm is not just about land or money but it is about ‘identity. History. Home.’ In her encounter with neighbour Blake Robertson, she questions his motives—even though he tries to help her save her property and the district. An although an attraction develops, she is not sure if she can trust him. Especially after she learns who he is and who is his family. An incident occurs that throws her and she begins to struggle and wonder. A decision must be made and she is not sure whose side he is on—because to her, family is everything. Will Blake choose his family over her? The outcome is surprising for this is a man who went looking for an adventure and found the biggest one of all in meeting Indie.

The Windmill in the Silver Gums is an intriguing dual timeline that will make you think, quicken your senses and tug at your heart. It will push you out of your ‘comfort zone’ and make you look at life past and present in a different light. That is one of the many beauties of Leonie Kelsall’s writing: never expect the usual. And the Windmill itself holds significance for this family as it reflects transformation and resilience. A chance to turn adversity into opportunity. These are key elements in the story. Get your copy and be prepared for a heart stirring, poignant, original dual timeline generational journey. An eloquent mixture of sadness, beauty and triumph! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Allen and Unwin for a review copy.